Upcycle an End Table Into a Cute and Cozy Dog Bed

Transform a thrifted table into a comfy retreat for your pup that’ll look great in your living room or bedroom.

March 18, 2022
Upcycled End Table Dog Bed

Upcycled End Table Dog Bed

This thrifted end table was transformed into a comfy retreat for a dog. A fresh coat of white paint and a new top make it a stylish accent piece, too.

Photo by: Shain Rievley

Shain Rievley

Upcycled Dog Bed
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Materials Needed

  • end table
  • (4) 1x3 x 8’ wood
  • 36” x 24” edge-glued wall panel
  • miter saw
  • paint drop cloth
  • paint roller and tray
  • zero-VOC water-based paint
  • (2) 24" x 36" decorative sheet metal
  • work gloves
  • tin snips
  • drill
  • 1-1/2” screws
  • brad nail gun
  • 1-1/4” brad nails
  • sandpaper
  • wood filler
  • fast-dry caulk

Choose a Table

Start thrifting to find the perfect end table to upcycle. Look for a table that already has a bottom shelf.

End Table

Upcycled End Table Dog Bed: Choose a Table

Start thrifting to find the perfect end table to upcycle. Look for a table that already has a bottom shelf.

Photo by: Shain Rievley

Shain Rievley

Add a Coat of Paint

Be sure to use a pet-safe, nontoxic paint for this project. Apply two coats of your paint color of choice (we used SW-7012), letting the paint dry between coats.

Painting End Table

Upcycled End Table Dog Bed: Add a Coat of Paint

Be sure to use a pet-safe, nontoxic paint for this project. Apply two coats of your paint color of choice, letting the paint dry between coats.

Photo by: Shain Rievley

Shain Rievley

Cut Sheet Metal

Put on thick gloves and cut the sheet metal to size using tin snips. You’ll need three pieces to cover the back and both sides of the table. The edges should hit the table legs and frame so the rough parts won’t ever touch your pet.

Cutting Sheet Metal

Upcycled End Table Dog Bed: Cut Sheet Metal to Size

Put on thick gloves and cut the sheet metal to size using tin snips. You’ll need three pieces to cover the back and both sides of the table. The edges should hit the table legs and frame so the rough parts won’t ever touch your pet.

Photo by: Shain Rievley

Shain Rievley

Attach Metal Screens

Use 1-1/2" screws to attach the metal screens to the table legs in several spots.

Screwing Metal Screen Into Wood

Upcycled End Table Dog Bed: Attach Metal Screens to Table

Use 1-1/2" screws to attach the metal screens to the table legs in several spots.

Photo by: Shain Rievley

Shain Rievley

Cut Trim Pieces

Cut 1x3 boards to cover the edges of the three metal screens and the front opening of the table. Use a miter box or miter saw to cut ends at an angle. This will make the corners fit together like a picture frame. Paint the trim to match the table.

Painting Wood Trim Pieces

Upcycled End Table Dog Bed: Cut and Paint Trim Pieces

Cut 1x3 boards to cover the edges of the three metal screens and the front opening of the table. Use a miter box or miter saw to cut ends at an angle. This will make the corners fit together like a picture frame. Paint the trim to match the table.

Photo by: Shain Rievley

Shain Rievley

Attach Trim

Use 1-1/4" brad nails to secure the trim to the table, covering the rough edges of the metal screens. Patch with wood filler and caulk any obvious joints. Touch up the paint.

Nailing Wood Trim to Table

Upcycled End Table Dog Bed: Attach Trim Pieces

Use 1-1/4" brad nails to secure the trim to the table, covering the rough edges of the metal screens. Patch with wood filler and caulk any obvious joints. Touch up the paint.

Photo by: Shain Rievley

Shain Rievley

Add a Top

Cut down a piece of edge-glued furniture paneling to make a new top for your table. Measure your table and then add 1” all around for the perfect size. Flip the table upside down with the new top positioned underneath, make sure the overhang is even, and screw the top in from the underside of the table. This will leave the new table top nice and smooth.

Screwing New Top Onto Table

Upcycled End Table Dog Bed: Add a New Top

Cut down a piece of edge-glued furniture paneling to make a new top for your table. Measure your table and then add 1” all around for the perfect size. Flip the table upside down with the new top positioned underneath, make sure the overhang is even, and screw the top in from the underside of the table. This will leave the table top nice and smooth.

Photo by: Shain Rievley

Shain Rievley

Make It Comfy

Add a piece of foam to the bottom shelf of the table (Image 1). Cover with a soft, fluffy blanket (Image 2).

Style It

This expertly upcycled piece now doubles as an end table and a cozy retreat for your furry best friend. Add a lamp, books and other accessories and place it in your living room or bedroom. Entice your pup to use their new bed by stashing their favorite toys and treats nearby.

Dog Bed Made From Upcycled End Table

Dog Bed Made From Upcycled End Table

Have an end table that’s seen better days? Transform it into a cute and cozy bed for your dog using decorative metal screens and a fresh coat of paint.

Photo by: Shain Rievley

Shain Rievley

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